News Releases

April 30, 2009

DR.
PHIL, WWJ TV AND MITCH ALBOM TEAM UP TO BRING A MESSAGE OF HOPE TO DETROIT

Special Episode to Air Monday

(Los
Angeles, CA, April 30, 2009) – “This is something these people will remember
for the rest of their lives,” is how bestselling author, columnist and Detroit
radio personality Mitch Albom described Dr. Phil McGraw’s recent visit to the
troubled city in early April. That trip
will now be the focus of Monday’s DR. PHIL episode entitled “Reinvent Yourself”
(check local listings).

Invited
to Detroit by CBS affiliate WWJ TV, Dr. Phil spoke to an enthusiastic crowd of
more than 1,000 who welcomed the talk show host at the Music Hall. He spoke about the realities of the economic
downturn, how families had been affected and how they can cope. In addition, he answered questions submitted
to the station’s web site.

“It
is the spirit of the people of Detroit that is especially moving and I want to thank WWJ TV for inviting
me,” Dr. Phil said.

In
addition he paid a visit to The Pilgrim Church, which is also in downtown
Detroit. Once a thriving place of
worship and the largest Presbyterian congregation in the Midwest, the building
is now a homeless shelter and home of the I Am My Brother’s Keeper
Ministry. The structure, which has a
large hole in the roof and is in disrepair, was the focus of a recent Sports
Illustrated article written by Albom called “The Courage of Detroit.” Albom and Pastor Henry Covington, who heads
up the Ministry, took Dr. Phil on a tour of the facility, followed by a free
town hall meeting. Albom served as the
moderator and Dr. Phil spoke to the crowd of nearly 500 and later answered several
questions from the audience.

“I
believe he is the first national celebrity of any kind that didn’t live in or
have some connection with Detroit to ever set foot in this neighborhood, let
alone the church” said Albom.

Before
leaving the city, Dr. Phil, on behalf of the Dr. Phil Foundation, made a $25,000 donation to both the Ministry and the
S.A.Y. (Super All Year) Detroit Family Health Clinic, which has been largely
funded through Albom's efforts and S.A.Y. Detroit.